Can anyone give me some advice on meeting and talking to new people when I go to nationals in a week or so, or anywhere for that matter? I have issues when it comes to forcing myself to talk to people I don’t know, even when I really want to. It’s just not in my nature. To be perfectly honest, every friend I have now I only have because I was forced into contact with them, like in classes or summer programs or whatever.
I found the easiest way to talk to and meet people at A Robotics Competition is to well, talk about Robotics. Usually if you walk up to someone and ask about their robot they’ll be more than happy to talk to you for some ungodly amount of time and tell you why it’s so great. From there you can always move into other subjects or whatever.
Or you could just jump into a random game of Ultimate Frisbee.
Just remember that we’re all there to meet new people. I found that this is hard for a lot of people in FIRST so just feel free to go up to someone and ask about their robot. Other option: have a person you know introduce you to some new people and teams. Come find me at 11’s pit if you want to meet some of the nicest people in FIRST, they’re everywhere. 
Team 1511 will make it easy for you to meet people at Championships!
We will be hosting the 5th annual “All Rookie Meet and Greet” this year. It is usually held in the courtyard at lunchtime on Friday (but may be on Thursday). All rookie teams are invited to come and play a few games, mingle a little bit and have a chance at some fun prizes!
We will be posting the details soon, so be on the lookout!
Make and wear a CD nametag. Take a screenshot with your profile, zoom in on the name, and print it out.
You could also upload a Who Am I picture.
You do that, somebody will say hello.
Oh, and don’t forget the CD Webhug.
I’ll have to keep an eye out for that Cynette. Also, talking about robots, that’s got to be the simplest idea yet but apparently too far out there for me to come up with it. And is ultimate frisbee really popular at Atlanta or something? I don’t see much of it out here. But anyways, thanks for the ideas. I’m really not much of an outgoing person, so sometimes I need a nudge in the right direction (or a hearty shove. depends where I’m at and whether or not I’m trying to talk to a girl 
) Hopefully I’ll make it out to RoboProm too. And I have been meaning to put up a WAI. The name tag is a pretty good idea too, Eric.
But anyway, if you see a dude in a red or yellow Cougars Gone Wired shirt with a DSLR camera slung over his shoulder looking lost, that’s most likely me. So please, if you’re pretty sure it’s me and I DO look lost (very likely if regionals are any indication), please come talk to me. This REALLY isn’t my forte.
My advice is to not care. Honestly, if you annoy them, move on to the next person.(kind of hard to do on accident with this crowd) You really aren’t out of anything. I personally find that undue confidence is the best way to beat nerves. Yes, I work to keep this is in check, but I very rarely stress over things.
Also, a “Free hugs” sign will definitely encourage people to approach you so you don’t have to approach them.
A lot of people are shy, Chris.
I’m very shy and can clam up just like that. But I feel very comfortable in the FIRST community at the Championship, even when I’m clammed up and can’t converse too much.
One thing that I love to do is visit the pits. In the pits, there will be people working and there will be opportunities to meet people and to talk with them. I’ve found that they do most of the talking, excited about sharing information about their team or their robot.
Good luck with this, hope to see you in Atlanta.
Jane
Remember to have fun. That’s the best advice I can give anyone in FIRST. FIRST is about meeting new people, and making new friends, and of course, getting to play with robots.
I’ll admit, I’m kind of a social butterfly, but it’s not really as hard as it sounds. Just walk up to someone and say “Hi, I’m Chris, I’m new to FIRST, what’s your name?” And then, well, just see what happens.
And, you’re welcome to come talk to me, I don’t know how to shut up sometimes! XD